AUVSI: Code Pink targets AUVSI news event in anti-'drone' campaign

The grass-roots anti-war group Code Pink targeted the pre-show AUVSI news conference to continue its protests against the use of armed unmanned air systems in strikes that kill civilians.

"Drones for people in Pakistan have killed hundreds and hundreds of innocent people," Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin said after rising from her front row seat and facing the audience at the National Press Club.

"In fact, what our figures show is that 50 innocent people are killed for every militant that is killed," said Benjamin, who wore a pink-chequered dress.

Medea continued speaking as she handed out fliers entitled "When drones attack ... civilians die!" The fliers appeared to show the NASA Altair, an unarmed version of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' Predator A

Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin

The protest, however, ended quickly after the press club's moderator instructed Benjamin to ask a question. Benjamin remained in her seat throughout the rest of the press conference.

The press conference was the latest in a string of protests launched by Code Pink against UAS companies. The organization's activists have picketed GA-ASI's factory in San Diego, as well as the home of General Atomics' owner Neal Blue. Code Pink also has protested an AeroVironment booth at a car convention.

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